EASA SIB 2016-06
Fokker F28 Mk.0070/0100 Aeroplanes — Ground De-icing / Anti-icing Operations with APU Running
Summary
EASA Safety Information Bulletin 2016-06 is a safety information bulletin addressing ground de-icing and anti-icing operations with the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) running on Fokker F28 Mark 0070 and Mark 0100 aeroplanes. It highlights the risk of uncontained APU failures caused by ingestion of alcohol-based de-icing fluids into the APU inlet, which can lead to overspeed and turbine rotor damage. The bulletin provides background on previous occurrences and references related Fokker and FAA publications.
What Changed
This bulletin does not introduce new mandatory regulations but provides updated safety recommendations to increase awareness among operators and de-icing personnel about the risks of conducting de-icing operations with the APU running. It references prior Fokker service letters and FAA airworthiness directives and emphasizes following updated maintenance and operational manuals.
Why It Matters
This information is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potentially hazardous APU failures during ground de-icing and anti-icing, which can cause significant damage and safety risks. Operators, maintenance organizations, and ground handling teams must understand and mitigate the ingestion risk of de-icing fluids into the APU to ensure safe aircraft operations and compliance with best practices.
What To Do
Operators and qualified de-icing facilities should increase personnel awareness of the APU inlet location and strictly follow the precautions and recommendations in the updated Fokker Aircraft Maintenance Manual and Operating Manual. No mandatory compliance deadline is specified, but adherence to these recommendations is strongly advised to enhance safety during ground operations.